Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[heeltoe989]

I got a quote back from ARE for a fully kitted DCU... $2,400

That sounds steep, but I spared no expense during my virtual build

As for gears, I am waiting for 4.56's... fuel economy is a real issue for me now and as much as I'd like the low end power of 4.88's I need to keep RPM's down on the highway so 4.56 it is.

JT's gears is getting sets that do not require a new carrier up front (unlike the 4.88) so this will save over $300 alone on the gear change

Interesting! would this new none carrier change include a locker?

If it doesn't I still have a locker change for my gear change. ARB RD111. I'm going to 4:56 seems the best choice for a 285/70/17 tire. I'm really looking forward to the new change.

I might do a JT order here pretty soon.

I took a peek at the ARE and did a virtual build, there very cool and well thought out! Makes me want to sell my Leer

 

[Streakerfreak]

I got a quote back from ARE for a fully kitted DCU... $2,400

That sounds steep, but I spared no expense during my virtual build

As for gears, I am waiting for 4.56's... fuel economy is a real issue for me now and as much as I'd like the low end power of 4.88's I need to keep RPM's down on the highway so 4.56 it is.

JT's gears is getting sets that do not require a new carrier up front (unlike the 4.88) so this will save over $300 alone on the gear change

Holy moly! Man that is pricey.

Good info about JT gears. I will have to keep that in mind.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Let There Be... License Plate Light!

I finally got around to mounting my license plate light so I am now 100% street legal! :sombrero:

I went with the LITEdot Plate Light from Off Road Only. 3 white LED's shining on the plate with 3 red LED's on the brake light circuit. Very small and very cool!

The light cost $27, but for $39 I could have purchased one with an inline male/female plug... In retrospect, I should have got the $39 unit.

I ended up just wiring my own plug inline so I can remove the whole assembly if/when I need to pull the spare off.

https://secure48.mysecureorder.net/...d=220&osCsid=e5c289a81db2b96dcb355233e526111f

Here is the install write up:

http://www.4x4xplor.com/ORO-LitePLATE.html

Thanks to Justin (Gear) for telling me about these!

 

[Redline]

I need to buy one of these too. Did you just wire it to a headlight switch 'ON' circuit?

James

 

[Dave Bennett]

I need to buy one of these too. Did you just wire it to a headlight switch 'ON' circuit?

James

The OEM bumper had two plate lights. And, luckily, Toyota hasn't gone over to that CAN-BUS wiring nonsense...

So, I used one of these circuits to power the white LED's, and tapped into the brake light circuit to power the red LED's.

In this way, the white LED's only come on when the running lights are on, and the brake light works when the brakes are applied even if the lights are not on.

All keyed ignition, of course :ylsmoke:

 

[FourByLand]

Very clean install Doc!

Trucks looking great!

 

[Streakerfreak]

The OEM bumper had two plate lights. And, luckily, Toyota hasn't gone over to that CAN-BUS wiring nonsense...

So, I used one of these circuits to power the white LED's, and tapped into the brake light circuit to power the red LED's.

In this way, the white LED's only come on when the running lights are on, and the brake light works when the brakes are applied even if the lights are not on.

All keyed ignition, of course :ylsmoke:

Hmm, that's very nice. I have not really been fond of where Steve put the license plate brackets so I think the LiteDOT Plate Light with disconnectable harness and there Spare tire license plate mount would be a viable option for me. Thanks for the link, that was the first time I have seen the ORO website.

 

[p1michaud]

Bumer gas strut information.

Good job on the license plate lights.

In this picture above, I see that your bumper has a nice gas strut preventing it from swinging all over when opened. That's one of the final touches I'd like to make to my bumper but have a few questions for you:

1-Does the strut oppose movement in both directions (i.e. control movement when it's swinging open and closed)?

2-Could you provide some details and markings on the strut? I've been hunting for one locally without much luck. Each one I have found is spring loaded to help with the load. I don't want it to push the bumper out at me when I open it.

3-Could you take some close up pictures?

Cheers,
P

 

[Dave Bennett]

1-Does the strut oppose movement in both directions (i.e. control movement when it's swinging open and closed)?

2-Could you provide some details and markings on the strut? I've been hunting for one locally without much luck. Each one I have found is spring loaded to help with the load. I don't want it to push the bumper out at me when I open it.

3-Could you take some close up pictures?

Cheers,
P

1. Yes, it is a gas strut so it does oppose movement each way.

2. No markings other than a blue sticker sans print... contact Steve at CBI and I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

3. Pictures to follow...

 

[Streakerfreak]

1. Yes, it is a gas strut so it does oppose movement each way.

Man I didn't even notice that! That is intense! All I have is a stupid little pin that does not even work. I am jealous now, thanks a lot

 

[Dave Bennett]

Man I didn't even notice that! That is intense! All I have is a stupid little pin that does not even work. I am jealous now, thanks a lot

:coffeedrink:

 

[Streakerfreak]

:coffeedrink:

Just rub it in why don't you, lol. Anyways, did Steve think of that or was that something you thought up?

 

[Dave Bennett]

Steve at CBI Off Road gets all the credit :bowdown:

 

[p1michaud]

Good stuff!

1. Yes, it is a gas strut so it does oppose movement each way.

2. No markings other than a blue sticker sans print... contact Steve at CBI and I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

3. Pictures to follow...

TACODOC,
Thanks for the info. I'll sent him an e-mail.
Cheers,
P

 

[greenhorn]

I got a quote back from ARE for a fully kitted DCU... $2,400

That sounds steep, but I spared no expense during my virtual build

The only concern I have is the DCU's have the same 200lb roof load limit as the fiberglass, do to the aluminum frame. I would be concerned with a couple of people rolling around in a rooftop tent up there.

The Gemtop has an all steel frame, which might have a higher weight rating.

On a side question, will the 2.7L 4.10 gears fit the v6's or is the carrier a different size? I can feel the difference just going to 265/75/16's